Uncategorized Archive

Day 3 ~ Behind the Bench Countdown!

Posted April 14, 2018 By Linda

It’s Day 3, and we’re counting down the release of Behind the Bench ~ Book Two of the In the Game Hockey Romance series! Woohoo!!

Danni and Trey are sharing some tips for players – to help keep you healthy!

Use your own water bottle. Unless you want to pick up infectious mono, a cold sore, the flu, a cold, or any other infection, don’t share your water bottle. Even the squirty kind!
Wear proper protective equipment including a helmet, a full-face shield and a mouth guard. It’ll help protect your brain, teeth, and eyes!
Don’t use a towel that’s been left in your locker and is still damp. That’s the most common way athletes end up with a fungal infection on their skin.

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2)

Dr. Danni Angelo is the team physician for the Clarington Quakes hockey team. She’s worked hard to earn the players’ respect, but the new coach, Trey Mason, is stirring things up, and Danni’s worried her job may be in jeopardy.

Trey finds Danni…distracting. Beauty, brains, and sexy moves on the ice have him uncomfortably attracted. He’s the new guy on the block. He has a reputation to build and a standard to set. The last thing he needs is a complication.

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

Behind the Bench is coming April 17!! It’s exclusive to the COMING IN HOT 2: Rescue Me Romance Collection – 16 medical contemporary or paranormal stories! Preorder now for only 99cents!!

Buy links: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Filed in Uncategorized | Tagged: Behind the Bench, Coming in Hot 2: Rescue Me, hockey players, medical advice

Visiting Nights of Passion!

Posted April 14, 2018 By Linda

I’m visiting author Stacy Hoff with my inspiration behind writing Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2). What quirky characteristic of mine ended up in the story? It’s HERE

Filed in Uncategorized | Tagged: Behind the Bench, Coming in Hot 2: Rescue Me, hockey, In the Game Hockey Romance, medical romance, sports romance

Day 4 ~ Behind the Bench Countdown!

Posted April 13, 2018 By Linda

It’s Day 4, and we’re counting down the release of Behind the Bench ~ Book Two of the In the Game Hockey Romance series! Release day is April 17. Woohoo!!

Danni is a family physician who also works part-time as the team doc for the Clarington Quakes hockey team. When she’s in her office, she’s often dealing with sports-related injuries. Today she’s sharing some tips for dealing with acute ankle injuries.

The Ottawa ankle rules were developed by a group of physicians in Ottawa, Ontario to help rule out a fracture when a patient presents with the an acute ankle injury. The rules have been tested and validated to help decide whether an injury requires an x-ray. Of course, there are always times when clinical judgement has to supersede the rules, but they’re a really handy guidelines.

The Ottawa ankle rules are as follows:

An ankle x-ray is only indicated for patients who have pain in the malleolar zone AND are tender at the tip of the lateral or medial malleolus (the bony prominences at the sides of the ankle) OR are unable to bear weight (walk) immediately after the injury and for 4 steps at the doctor’s office.

A foot x-ray is only indicated for patients who have pain in the midfoot zone AND are tender at the base of the 5^th toe or at the navicular OR are unable to bear weight (walk) immediately after the injury and for 4 steps at the doctor’s office.

So if a player has an ankle injury and can’t weight-bear or is tender at the bony prominences of the ankle or the base of the 5^th toe, they likely need an x-ray!

Thanks for the tips, Danni!

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2)

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

Behind the Bench is coming April 17!! It’s exclusive to the COMING IN HOT 2: Rescue Me Romance Collection – 16 medical contemporary or paranormal stories! Preorder now for only 99cents!!

Buy links: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Filed in Uncategorized | Tagged: ankle injuries, Behind the Bench, Coming in Hot 2:Rescue Me, hockey romance, medical romance, Ottawa ankle rules

Day 5 ~ Behind the Bench Countdown!

Posted April 12, 2018 By Linda

It’s Day 5, and we’re counting down the release of Behind the Bench ~ Book Two of the In the Game Hockey Romance series! Release day is only five days away. Woohoo!!

Today Trey is sharing tips for coaches to have the very best experience for both the coach and the players! He has a lot of experience to draw on. 😀

Be positive and passionate – be enthusiastic and energetic. Keeping the practices upbeat and full of energy will keep the players engaged and excited about learning and playing.
Have a plan and set goals – analyze what your team needs, what your players’ strength and weaknesses are, and be creative to realize short term and long-term goals. After each practice, write down what went well and what needs work and be flexible so that you can incorporate that into the next practice.
Compassion and communication – learn the players’ names, what their strengths and weaknesses are so you can make each player a better person and a better player.
Communication – Know that there are different learning styles and tailor your teaching and coaching to the player. There is a lot of evidence showing that positive reinforcement works significantly better in encouraging players versus the old-school humiliation tactics. Don’t be a dinosaur! Reinforce the correct way rather than focusing on the mistake.
Be a good role model – get involved. Don’t just give verbal instructions; show them how it’s done. Being respectful, punctual, and prepared sets the tone for the team.

Volunteering to be a coach and giving back to the community can be a very rewarding experience for you and the players. Have fun!

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2)

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

Behind the Bench is coming April 17!! It’s exclusive to the COMING IN HOT 2: Rescue Me Romance Collection – 16 medical contemporary or paranormal stories! Preorder now for only 99cents!!

Buy links: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Filed in Uncategorized | Tagged: Behind the Bench, Coming in Hot: Rescue Me, hockey romance, Linda O'Connor, medical romance

Day 6 ~ Behind the Bench Countdown!

Posted April 11, 2018 By Linda

It’s Day 6, and we’re counting down the release of Behind the Bench ~ Book Two of the In the Game Hockey Romance series! It’s coming April 17. Woohoo!!

To celebrate the release of Behind the Bench, I thought I’d share six fun facts about hockey!

Hockey pucks are three inches in diameter. They’re frozen before each game so that they don’t bounce during the game. In the old days, they used frozen cow poop. Bet the goalies are happy with that upgrade!
Until recently, if both of the team’s goalies were injured during a game, they could get anybody to play the position — even a fan! Now they have to have a back-up emergency goalie on stand-by. On March 28, 2018, Scott Foster, a 36-year-old accountant played for the Chicago Blackhawks and deflected 7 shots to hang on for the win!
Goalies can’t cross the centre line. Former Philadelphia Flyers goalie Ron Hextall was the first goaltender to score a goal by shooting the puck down the ice and into the other team’s net.
Twelve women have their names engraved on the Stanley Cup, either as owners or team executives.
Canadian goaltender Manon Rhéaume was the first – and only –woman to play in the NHL. She laced up for two exhibition games with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
At the 2002 Olympic Winter Games in Salt Lake City, Trent Evans embedded a loonie at centre ice to bring luck to Canada’s men’s and women’s hockey teams. Both brought home gold – it was a lucky loonie! (We needed one at the 2018 games.:D Congrats to the USA Women’s team for winning gold this year!

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2)

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

Behind the Bench is coming April 17!! It’s exclusive to the COMING IN HOT 2: Rescue Me Romance Collection – 16 medical contemporary or paranormal stories! Preorder now for only 99cents!!

Buy links: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Filed in Uncategorized | Tagged: Behind the Bench, Coming in Hot 2: Rescue Me, hockey, In the Game Hockey Romance, Linda O'Connor, medical romance, sports romance

Day 7 ~ Behind the Bench Countdown!

Posted April 10, 2018 By Linda

It’s Day 7, and we’re counting down the release of Behind the Bench ~ Book Two of the In the Game Hockey Romance series! Release day is April 17. Woohoo!!

Danni doesn’t cook much but makes a mouth-watering homemade pizza dough on a sexy date with Trey. I thought I’d share an equally delicious gluten-free pizza dough recipe. Unlike Danni’s recipe, this one is quick to throw together – perfect for a weeknight dinner!

Gluten-free Gourmet Pizza Crust

½ cup ground almonds

2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese

pinch salt

½ tsp dried oregano

½ tsp dried basil

2 tsp olive oil

1 egg

Combine the ingredients in a mixing bowl. Spread the dough on a cookie sheet lined with parchment paper and brushed with olive oil. Top with your favourite toppings. My favs are tomato paste, diced chicken, pineapple, mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, and mozzarella cheese. Bake at 325°F for 15-20 minutes.

Bon Appetit!

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2)

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

Behind the Bench is coming April 17!! It’s exclusive to the COMING IN HOT 2: Rescue Me Romance Collection – 16 medical contemporary or paranormal stories! Preorder now for only 99cents!!

Buy links: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Filed in Uncategorized | Tagged: Behind the Bench, Coming in Hot 2:Rescue Me, hockey romance, Linda O'Connor, medical romance

Day 8 ~ Behind the Bench Countdown!

Posted April 9, 2018 By Linda

It’s Day 8 and we’re counting down the release of Behind the Bench ~ Book Two of the In the Game Hockey Romance series! Woohoo!!

Hello. I’m Trey Mason, coach of the Clarington Quakes. I’ve been involved in hockey all my life –first as a player and now as a coach, and I think I’ve finally landed in a city that loves hockey as much as I do. The welcome I’ve received has been great – not only the enthusiastic fans but from the city itself that has so much to offer. The Quakes have a stellar team on the ice – with Mike Wallace in net and a whole line-up of talented players in front of him. I’m honoured to join the impressive team behind the bench. From the assistant coaches, to the trainers, all the way to the medical staff, the Quakes are extremely lucky to have talented, dedicated people supporting them. Our goal is single-minded. We’re going to win! Come on out to the rink – you’ll see some exciting hockey. There’s certainly a lot going on behind the bench to make that happen!

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2)

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

Behind the Bench is coming April 17!! It’s exclusive to the COMING IN HOT 2: Rescue Me Romance Collection – 16 medical contemporary or paranormal stories! Preorder now for only 99cents!!

Buy links: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Filed in Uncategorized | Tagged: Behind the Bench, Coming in Hot 2: Rescue Me, hockey romance, Linda O'Connor, medical romance

Day 9 ~ Behind the Bench Countdown!

Posted April 8, 2018 By Linda

It’s Day 9 and we’re counting down the release of Behind the Bench ~ Book Two of the In the Game Hockey Romance series and an exclusive story in Coming in Hot 2: Rescue Me medical romance collection!

Hi there! It’s Danni. I’m on my way to the rink but thought I’d stop by for a quick hello. I can’t be late. There’s a new hockey coach in town, and I don’t think he thinks much of me. Groan. I know. It sounds crazy but he kicked me out of the players’ pit at the press conference and if he can work with one of the other team physicians, he will. You’d think after two years with the team, my rapport with the players would trump all, but nope. He’s one sexy obstacle between me and the job I love.

Well, lucky for me, I have an awesome group of patients who are always happy to see me. I share an office with Sarah Jain and when I’m not treating the players or bugging them to wear full-face shields or harping on them to use their own water bottles (they really do love me), I’m busy with my family practice and a whole myriad of sports injuries.

If you haven’t visited Clarington, you should!! Skate on the Charlebois River, try the best turtle pie at the bakery attached to Bibbington Bowling Lanes and, of course, catch a Clarington Quakes hockey game. You can’t help but fall in love here. And look me up – hopefully I’ll still be behind the bench!

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2)

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

Behind the Bench is coming April 17!! It’s exclusive to the COMING IN HOT 2: Rescue Me Romance Collection – 16 medical contemporary or paranormal stories! Preorder now for only 99cents!!

Buy links: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Filed in Uncategorized

10 day Countdown Begins!!

Posted April 7, 2018 By Linda

It’s Day 10 and we’re counting down the release of Behind the Bench ~ Book Two of the In the Game Hockey Romance series! Woohoo!!

I’m so excited to start the countdown for my next romantic comedy, Behind the Bench. It’s part of a new medical hockey series, In the Game Hockey Romance! Join me each day for the next 10 days for a sneak peek at the story, a first-hand look at the video trailer, some fun hockey trivia and for a chance to meet the characters. Sit back and relax and enjoy another romantic comedy with a bit of spicy mystery thrown in – and some very sexy members of the Clarington Quakes hockey team!

Behind the Bench (In the Game Hockey Romance, Book 2)

When the team spirals out of control and Danni and Trey get caught up in a drug scandal, things heat up on and off the ice. It’s a whole new game plan…Behind the Bench.

Behind the Bench is coming April 17!! It’s exclusive to the COMING IN HOT 2: Rescue Me Romance Collection – 16 medical contemporary or paranormal stories! Preorder now for only 99cents!!

Buy links: Amazon.com | Amazon.ca | Nook | Kobo | iTunes

Filed in Uncategorized | Tagged: Behind the Bench, Coming in Hot 2: Rescue Me, Linda O'Connor, medical, romance

Happy Easter!

Posted April 1, 2018 By Linda

Happy Easter, Happy Spring, and Happy April Fools’ Day!!

I’m not one much for practical jokes on April Fools’ Day, but I think prank food that fools the eyes (but not the taste buds) is pretty clever! My favs are:

crispy treats and fruit roll-up “sushi”, mashed potato “vanilla ice cream” and gravy “caramel sauce” sundae, grilled cheese made from pound cake “bread” and melted chocolate “cheese”, and a baked potato shaped out of chocolate ice cream, covered in cocoa powder, topped with whipped cream “sour cream”, green sprinkle “chives”, yellow sprinkle “grated cheddar cheese”, and a melted Starburst “pad of butter”.

And here’s one for Easter – change out the chocolate eggs for grapes and re-wrap them in the foil. It’ll make for a healthy Easter egg hunt!

Have fun today with food that’s not what it seems. And if you’d like to read a romance with a twist of mistaken identity, you’ll enjoy Perfectly Honest. It’s the first book in the Perfectly Series and a fun romantic comedy about two doctors and a little white lie that spirals out of control.

Perfectly Honest (The Perfectly Series, Book 1)

You never know where your words will take you…

When Mikaela Finn agreed to be Sam’s ‘fiancée’ for a weekend, she probably should have told him that she’s a doctor. Sam O’Brien, aka ‘Dr. Eye Candy’, is trying to shed his playboy reputation and convince a small town hospital that he’s ready to settle down. But when his ‘fiancée’ helps deliver a baby in the middle of the meet and greet, it’s a bit of a shock. If he’d known the whole truth, he might have done things a little differently because somehow his ‘fiancée’ ends up stealing his job and his heart. Not exactly the change he wanted.

Lies and deceit – it’s a match made in heaven!

Filed in Uncategorized